Restore the Kinnickinnic River Through Dam Removal

A view of the Upper “Junction Falls” Dam on the Kinnickinnic River today in the City of River Falls, compared to an artist’s rendering of the restored Junction Falls Waterfall after dam removal.

Two dams disrupt a full mile of the Kinnickinnic River in the heart of River Falls, Wisconsin, which in the absence of the dams would feature a beautiful drop with over 70 vertical feet of cascades and waterfalls. The Upper Dam completely de-waters the river where the Junction Falls Waterfall would otherwise exist.

The two dams on the Kinni support an outdated hydroelectric facility that collectively cause fluctuations in flow, increases in water temperature, and directly impact trout, macroinvertebrates, mussels and other wildlife. The hydroelectric facility produces less than 2 percent (0.375 MW) of the City of River Falls’ electricity— power could easily be replaced with conservation and efficiency measures. These dams do not provide recreational opportunities, flood control, irrigation, water storage, water supply, drinking water, navigation or quality fish habitat.

Tell the City of River Falls to recommend hydropower license surrender and support the complete restoration of the Kinnickinnic River through removal of both dams.

Note: Your comments will also be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a part of their official public comment on this project later this year.